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Villa Park board authorizes eminent‑domain motion for Hawthorne World property after years of stalled redevelopment
Summary
Following executive‑session briefings, the village board voted to authorize condemnation proceedings for the Hawthorne World site near the train station. Trustees cited unsuccessful attempts to secure redevelopment and legal advice; proponents said in public comment the developer opposed the action and warned of litigation and fiscal exposure.
The Village of Villa Park on Monday voted to authorize a condemnation ordinance for property commonly known as Hawthorne World (405 N. Ardmore Ave.), advancing the village’s legal authority to acquire the site if negotiations fail.
Why it matters: The derelict Hawthorne site near the downtown train station has been a longtime focus of redevelopment plans. Trustees and staff said they had offered a negotiated purchase price in the past and continued to seek a solution, but that the property’s condition and stalled process prompted the village to prepare a condemnation alternative.
What happened at the meeting: After public comment from Hothan Development representatives who said they had invested time and money in entitlement work and urged the board to negotiate, trustees…
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